Hi, my name is Menzo Faassen. I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Tennessee and New Mexico. I received my B.S. in Psychology in 1999 from Middle Tennessee State University and I received my M.S. in Community Counseling from Austin Peay State University in 2009.
I work full time in Richmond, Virginia (moved here in January of 2022). I am working for a community mental health center as a therapist. I have worked in community mental health and addiction treatment centers since 2007. I have worked with adults and teenagers with trauma, addiction, depression, grief/loss and LGBT issues. I am also a proud member of the LGBT community.
My approach to therapy starts out with the basic Rogerian (person centered approach). But, I also incorporate Psycho dramatic techniques (but I can only do this in a video session) into my approach. Psychodrama is a combination of counseling and theater and is often referred to as Shakespearean Psychology. I start where you are. I believe that you are the expert on you and that this is your therapy not mine. So I will tailor my approach and style to what your goal (not my goal) is. I can be as directive as you need. I can function well dealing with thoughts and emotions, looking for solutions, and even a look into reality.
A few things to be aware of:
1. While you can send messages to me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you may not get an immediate response. Depending on what time you sign up, I could be sleeping, eating, or working with another client. I do respond within 24 hours of getting a new client and often will respond sooner, but you will probably not get an instant response from me. Bear in mind that I do have a full time job that I work during the day. I am not able to respond between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM (Eastern Standard Time in the US). Please be patient with this.
2. Prior to beginning therapy I request that you send me your home address and phone number. If you prefer you can send a copy of a photo ID. I request this information for a few reasons. The first is so that if there is an emergency (you present with a plan to hurt yourself or somebody else, or I suspect there is child abuse involved) I can alert the authorities in your location. It is also my ethical duty to assure that I am licensed to provide services in the state you reside.
3. Sending messages back and forth is fine, but you will get more value out of BetterHelp if you schedule a live chat, phone or video session with me. You can do that by selecting the schedule session on the right hand side of the screen.
4. It helps to have a goal in therapy, so one question that I will ask is "what do you want to get out of therapy" or "what brought you to therapy". I only ask so we have a direction to go.
5. The more information I have about you the better. So, in way of introduction, some things you may want to share include (your childhood information, any traumatic events, previous relationships, current relationships, work history, family background/relationships, your previous therapy experience, etc.). In other words, use the first message to give me the autobiography of you.
I have been in counseling myself and know how scary it can be to enter into the process and I try to make this as comfortable as possible. I look forward to walking with you as you begin this journey of healing and transformation.
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Family conflicts, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Attachment issues, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Codependency, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Drug and alcohol addiction, Family of origin issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
VA LPC 0701010945
TN LPC 3360
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Menzo Faassen. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
He listens to what you have to say but also offers you advice and tools to help you.
Written on May 09, 2024 after therapy with Menzo for 2 weeks on issues concerning lgbt
Menzo has been absolutely vital in helping me discover aspects of myself that I've been trying to figure out for years. Extremely patient, friendly, and has a depth of knowledge that is very helpful. I wholeheartedly recommend seeing Menzo as your therapist!
Written on Sep 25, 2022 after therapy with Menzo for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Menzo Fassen has been very valuable to me in my recovery process. It has been great having a professional to speak to that can relate to most of the traumas I have dealt with in the past. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone I knew that was dealing with the same issues as I have in the past.
Written on Jul 31, 2022 after therapy with Menzo for 3 weeks on issues concerning addictions, and family conflicts
Menzo is amazing, 100/10! Helped me with so much in so little time :)
Written on Jun 12, 2022 after therapy with Menzo for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Menzo is a kind, thoughtful man. He is a surprising (refreshing) mix of good listener and direct with questions. I've appreciated his insight into my mind, and no punches pulled when he sees an area of unhealthiness or weakness I don't. I sincerely recommend him to bring your life and mind wisdom, balance, and health.
Written on Nov 09, 2020 after therapy with Menzo for 2 months on issues concerning addictions, anger management, and adhd
Menzo is my favorite therapist I’ve had to date. He’s always energetic, engaging, and really gets to the bottom of the issues I’m facing. Those around me have noticed huge improvement in me, and a large part of that all is thanks to this wonderful man. Can’t recommend him enough, especially if you’re LGBTQ+
Written on Jul 07, 2020 after therapy with Menzo for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching